Takeda Pharmaceutical Company has created several new positions as part of its “Transformation into a New Takeda”, restructuring the company’s business operations.

The new roles include Chief Medical and Scientific Officer (CMSO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

The CMSO is set to replace the existing post of Chief Scientific Officer, to be filled by board member Dr Tadataka Yamada, a medical doctor and scientist with strong experience in pharmaceutical R&D.

The CCO will be responsible for the company’s global sales structure, replacing existing positions in International Operations in the US, Europe and North Asia.

Takeda’s Chief Executive Dr Frank Morich will claim this position, who will lead sales strategies in the US, EU and key emerging markets.

The restructuring of the company is said to relect Takeda’s recent acquisition of Nycomed, which the firm described as “another significant step towards globalisation”.

Takeda fully acquired Nycomed in October in a cash deal worth €9.6 million.

Orexo AB has appointed Nikolaj Sørensen as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

He will be responsible for commercial operations, as well as development of the company’s commercial strategies, and brings a wealth of international commercial experience.

Anders Lundström, President and CEO of Orexo AB, says the company is “particularly pleased” to recruit Mr Sørensen whose “background suits the company’s strategy”.

Mr Sørensen has previously worked at Pfizer where he was a Director and Brand Team Leader for pain treatment product in Europe and Canada. He also worked as Head of Business Development and Director of Strategic Planning, plus Business Area Director for primary care products, and as Managing Director and Chairman of the board for Pfizer AB.

For the past few years, he has also been a member of the Board of the Swedish Pharmaceutical Industry Association (LIF).

The company currently has four commercialised products and several projects developed in partnership, plus three further proprietary development programs. Its new Chief Commercial Officer says he has followed the progress of the company for a number of years.

“Orexo is an exciting company that I have followed for several years,” said Mr Sørensen. “The company has a very interesting product portfolio that provides a solid foundation for a commercial organisation. I look forward to developing and executing Orexo’s strategy for sales and marketing of the company’s own products.”

He will commence his role on 1 October.